Ecclesiastes 2:1–11 · BSB
2:1
I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good!” But it proved to be futile.
2:2
I said of laughter, “It is folly,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?”
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2:3
I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.
2:4
I expanded my pursuits. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself.
2:5
I made gardens and parks for myself, where I planted all kinds of fruit trees.
2:6
I built reservoirs to water my groves of flourishing trees.
2:7
I acquired menservants and maidservants, and servants were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me,
2:8
and I accumulated for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered to myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men—many concubines.
2:9
So I became great and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me; and my wisdom remained with me.
2:10
Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
2:11
Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
Berean Standard Bible · Public domain. Sermons may quote another translation.